Patentable/Patents/US-11935913
US-11935913

Monolithic multi-color matrix emitter with patterned phosphor layer

PublishedMarch 19, 2024
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

A lighting device is disclosed that includes a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in an array, a plurality of trenches disposed between and optically isolating the light emitting diodes, and a patterned converter layer disposed over an array surface formed by light emitting surfaces of the light emitting diodes and upper surfaces of the trenches, the patterned converter layers including a first region having a first converter and a second region having a second converter different from the first converter, the first region and second region disposed over different areas of the array surface.

Patent Claims
17 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the first region is disposed over the light emitting surfaces and the second region is disposed over the isolation barriers.

Plain English Translation

A lighting device includes a substrate with light-emitting surfaces and isolation barriers separating the light-emitting surfaces. The device further includes a reflective layer with a first region and a second region. The first region is positioned over the light-emitting surfaces to enhance light extraction, while the second region is positioned over the isolation barriers to improve light reflection. The reflective layer may be a single continuous layer with varying properties or multiple distinct layers. The isolation barriers prevent optical crosstalk between adjacent light-emitting surfaces, ensuring uniform light emission. The reflective layer may include materials such as dielectric mirrors, metal films, or distributed Bragg reflectors, depending on the desired reflectivity and transparency. The device may be used in displays, lighting systems, or optical sensors where precise light control is required. The configuration ensures efficient light extraction while minimizing losses due to absorption or scattering at the isolation barriers. The reflective layer may also include additional features such as anti-reflective coatings or diffusers to further optimize light output. The overall design improves brightness, contrast, and energy efficiency in lighting applications.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the microLEDs in the array are individually addressable.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a lighting device incorporating an array of microLEDs (micro-light-emitting diodes) designed to provide precise and flexible illumination control. The device addresses the limitations of conventional lighting systems, which often lack the granularity and adaptability needed for advanced applications such as dynamic lighting, displays, or specialized illumination tasks. By using an array of microLEDs, the device enables high-resolution light output with individual control over each microLED, allowing for customizable brightness, color, and pattern generation. The microLEDs are arranged in a structured array, where each microLED can be independently activated or adjusted, facilitating applications requiring localized or patterned illumination. This individual addressability enhances the device's versatility, enabling dynamic adjustments in real-time without the need for mechanical components or complex optical systems. The invention improves upon existing lighting technologies by offering finer control over light emission, making it suitable for applications in displays, medical devices, automotive lighting, and other fields where precise and adaptable illumination is critical. The microLED array can be integrated into various form factors, including flat panels or flexible substrates, depending on the application requirements.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the light emitting surface of each microLED in the array has a side length of less than 50 microns.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a lighting device incorporating an array of microLEDs (micro-light-emitting diodes) to address challenges in high-resolution, energy-efficient lighting and display applications. The device leverages the compact size and high luminous efficiency of microLEDs to achieve precise light emission with minimal power consumption. Each microLED in the array features a light-emitting surface with a side length of less than 50 microns, enabling high pixel density and fine control over light output. The small form factor of the microLEDs allows for dense packing, which is critical for applications requiring high-resolution illumination, such as microdisplays, augmented reality (AR) devices, and advanced lighting systems. The device may also include additional components, such as a substrate for mounting the microLEDs, electrical connections for power and control, and optical elements to enhance light extraction or directionality. The use of microLEDs with such small dimensions ensures uniform light distribution and reduces thermal effects, improving overall performance and reliability. This technology is particularly suited for applications where space constraints and energy efficiency are critical, such as wearable electronics and compact display systems.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the first converter emits a warm white light and the second converter emits a cool white.

Plain English Translation

A lighting device includes a light source and at least two wavelength converters positioned to receive light from the source. The converters modify the light's spectral properties, such as color temperature. The first converter emits warm white light, characterized by a lower color temperature, while the second converter emits cool white light, characterized by a higher color temperature. The device may include additional converters to produce other colors or spectral distributions. The light source may be a semiconductor-based emitter, such as an LED or laser diode, and the converters may be phosphors, quantum dots, or other photoluminescent materials. The device can dynamically adjust the relative contributions of the converters to achieve a desired color temperature or spectral output. This allows for tunable lighting solutions that can switch between warm and cool white light or blend them for intermediate settings. The invention addresses the need for energy-efficient, adjustable lighting systems that provide customizable illumination for different environments and applications.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the first converter emits a warm white light and the second converter emits a colored light.

Plain English Translation

Lighting technology. This invention addresses the need for tunable lighting effects in a lighting device. The lighting device comprises a first converter and a second converter. The first converter is configured to emit a warm white light. The second converter is configured to emit a colored light. This configuration allows for the simultaneous or sequential emission of different light types from a single lighting device, enabling a broader range of lighting atmospheres and functionalities.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The lighting device of claim 1, comprising a plurality of first regions having the first converter and a plurality of second regions having the second converter, the first and second regions arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to lighting devices with improved color conversion for generating white light. The problem addressed is achieving uniform and efficient white light emission from a lighting device that combines multiple color converters. Traditional lighting devices often suffer from color non-uniformity or inefficiency when using multiple converters to produce white light. The lighting device includes a light source that emits primary light, typically blue or ultraviolet, and a wavelength conversion layer. The conversion layer contains at least two types of converters: a first converter that converts the primary light into a first secondary light, and a second converter that converts the primary light into a second secondary light. The first and second secondary lights combine to produce white light. To enhance uniformity and efficiency, the device includes multiple first regions containing the first converter and multiple second regions containing the second converter. These regions are arranged in a checkerboard pattern, ensuring an even distribution of the two converters. This pattern minimizes color variation and improves light mixing, resulting in a more uniform white light output. The checkerboard arrangement also optimizes the balance between the two secondary lights, enhancing overall efficiency. The device may further include a light guide or reflector to direct the emitted light, and the converters may be phosphors or quantum dots. The arrangement ensures that the primary light interacts with both converters in a balanced manner, addressing the problem of color non-uniformity in conventional multi-converter lighting systems.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The lighting device of claim 1, comprising a controller configured to vary the intensity of light emitted from the microLEDs in the array.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a lighting device incorporating an array of microLEDs (micro-light-emitting diodes) and a controller that adjusts the light intensity emitted by the microLEDs. The device addresses the challenge of achieving precise and dynamic lighting control in applications where traditional LED arrays may lack fine-tuned brightness modulation. The array of microLEDs provides high-resolution light output, while the controller dynamically adjusts the intensity of individual or groups of microLEDs to achieve desired lighting effects. This allows for applications such as adaptive lighting, display backlighting, or illumination systems where brightness levels need to be finely controlled. The controller may implement various modulation techniques, including pulse-width modulation (PWM) or current-based intensity control, to vary the light output. The device may also include additional features such as color tuning, thermal management, or communication interfaces to enable integration with external systems. The invention aims to provide a compact, energy-efficient lighting solution with superior control over light intensity compared to conventional LED-based systems.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The lighting device of claim 1, comprising a controller configured to address a group of microLEDs in the array so that all the microLEDs in the group emit light.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to lighting devices using microLED arrays, addressing the challenge of efficiently controlling groups of microLEDs to achieve uniform or patterned illumination. The device includes an array of microLEDs, where each microLED is individually addressable. A controller is configured to selectively address a subset or group of microLEDs within the array, causing all microLEDs in the selected group to emit light simultaneously. This allows for dynamic control over lighting patterns, brightness levels, and energy efficiency by activating only the necessary microLEDs. The controller may also adjust the intensity or color of the emitted light for each group, enabling customizable lighting effects. The device may further include a power management system to optimize energy distribution across the microLED array, ensuring consistent performance. This approach improves lighting flexibility and reduces power consumption compared to traditional methods where individual microLEDs are controlled independently. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring high-resolution lighting, such as displays, automotive lighting, or architectural illumination.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the first region is disposed over and in contact with one of the light emitting surfaces and the second region is disposed over, in contact with, and covering the entire upper surface of one of the trenches.

Plain English Translation

A lighting device includes a light-emitting structure with multiple light-emitting surfaces and trenches formed between them. The device has a first region and a second region, each made of a reflective material. The first region is positioned over and directly contacts one of the light-emitting surfaces, while the second region is placed over, in direct contact with, and fully covers the upper surface of one of the trenches. The reflective material in the first and second regions redirects light emitted from the light-emitting surfaces to improve light extraction efficiency. The trenches may be formed by etching or other methods to create gaps between adjacent light-emitting surfaces, and the reflective material ensures that light generated within the structure is directed outward rather than absorbed or scattered within the device. This configuration enhances brightness and uniformity of the emitted light. The reflective material may be a metal, dielectric stack, or other suitable material with high reflectivity. The device may be part of a light-emitting diode (LED) or other semiconductor-based lighting system.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method of claim 11, wherein addressing the microLED array comprises addressing an individual microLED in the array so that the individual microLED emits light but not addressing other microLEDs in the array so that the other microLEDs do not emit light.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to microLED display technology, specifically addressing individual microLEDs within an array to control light emission. The problem addressed is the need for precise control over individual microLEDs in a display to achieve high-resolution imaging without unintended light emission from adjacent microLEDs. The method involves selectively activating a single microLED in the array while ensuring that surrounding microLEDs remain inactive, preventing unwanted light emission. This selective addressing allows for fine-grained control over pixel activation, improving display quality and reducing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary illumination of adjacent microLEDs. The technique may be part of a broader method for driving a microLED array, where individual microLEDs are addressed to emit light in a controlled manner, while others remain off. This approach is particularly useful in high-resolution displays where precise pixel control is essential for sharp, accurate imaging. The invention ensures that only the intended microLED emits light, enhancing display performance and efficiency.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The method of claim 11, wherein addressing the microLED array comprises addressing a group of microLEDs in the array so that all the microLEDs in the group emit light but not addressing other microLEDs in the array so that the other microLEDs do not emit light.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to microLED display technology, specifically addressing techniques for controlling microLED arrays to improve display performance. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and precise control of individual microLEDs or groups of microLEDs to achieve desired brightness, color, and power efficiency in displays. The method involves selectively addressing a group of microLEDs within an array such that all microLEDs in the addressed group emit light simultaneously, while other microLEDs in the array remain unaddressed and do not emit light. This selective addressing allows for controlled light emission patterns, enabling dynamic adjustments in brightness and color output. The technique can be used to enhance display resolution, reduce power consumption, and improve overall display quality by ensuring that only the necessary microLEDs are activated at any given time. The method is particularly useful in high-resolution displays where precise control over individual or grouped microLEDs is essential for achieving optimal performance. By grouping microLEDs and addressing them collectively, the method simplifies the control process while maintaining high display fidelity. This approach can be applied in various display applications, including wearable devices, augmented reality (AR) displays, and high-definition screens.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The method of claim 11, comprising receiving sensor data and wherein the addressing of the microLED array is based on sensor data.

Plain English Translation

A method for controlling a microLED array involves dynamically adjusting the addressing of the array based on real-time sensor data. The system includes a microLED array with individually addressable microLEDs, each having a light-emitting layer and a control layer. The control layer modulates the light output of the microLEDs by applying electrical signals. The addressing scheme determines which microLEDs are activated and the intensity of their light emission. The method receives sensor data from one or more sensors, such as environmental sensors, motion sensors, or imaging sensors, to detect changes in the operating conditions. The addressing of the microLED array is then adjusted in response to the sensor data, allowing the system to adapt its light output based on external factors. For example, the system may increase brightness in low-light conditions or adjust color temperature based on ambient light. The method ensures efficient and context-aware illumination by dynamically modifying the addressing pattern and intensity of the microLEDs in real time. This approach enhances the performance and versatility of microLED displays and lighting systems.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The lighting device of claim 15, wherein the plurality of microLEDs in the array are disposed on a substrate; and the substrate comprises the plurality of driver circuits.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a lighting device incorporating an array of microLEDs (micro-light-emitting diodes) integrated with driver circuits on a common substrate. The device addresses challenges in conventional lighting systems, such as inefficiency, high power consumption, and limited control over light output. By integrating microLEDs with driver circuits on a single substrate, the invention enables precise, localized control of individual light sources, improving energy efficiency and performance. The lighting device features an array of microLEDs, each capable of emitting light independently. These microLEDs are mounted on a substrate that also contains a plurality of driver circuits. The driver circuits are directly connected to the microLEDs, allowing for individual control of each light-emitting element. This integration reduces the need for external wiring and simplifies the overall design, enhancing reliability and reducing manufacturing complexity. The substrate serves as a structural foundation for both the microLEDs and the driver circuits, ensuring proper alignment and electrical connectivity. The driver circuits may include transistors, resistors, or other electronic components necessary to regulate current flow to the microLEDs, enabling dynamic adjustments in brightness and color output. This configuration supports applications in high-resolution displays, solid-state lighting, and other advanced optical systems where precise light control is essential. The invention improves upon prior art by consolidating components into a compact, efficient design.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The lighting device of claim 15, wherein each driver circuit has a first and second inputs.

Plain English Translation

A lighting device includes a plurality of light sources and a plurality of driver circuits, each configured to control a corresponding light source. The driver circuits are arranged in a cascaded configuration, where the output of one driver circuit is connected to the input of the next. Each driver circuit has a first input for receiving a control signal and a second input for receiving a power signal. The cascaded arrangement allows for simplified wiring and centralized control, reducing the number of connections required. The device may also include a controller that generates the control signals to independently adjust the brightness or color of each light source. The driver circuits may incorporate dimming or color-mixing functions, enabling dynamic lighting effects. The cascaded design minimizes signal degradation and ensures synchronized operation across multiple light sources. This configuration is particularly useful in large-scale lighting systems, such as architectural or stage lighting, where efficient power distribution and precise control are essential. The device may also include fault detection mechanisms to monitor the status of each driver circuit and light source, ensuring reliable performance. The cascaded architecture simplifies installation and maintenance while providing scalable control over multiple lighting elements.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The lighting device of claim 17, wherein the first input controls an amount of drive power delivered to microLED connected to the driver circuit.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to lighting devices incorporating microLED technology, addressing challenges in controlling and optimizing power delivery to individual microLEDs within a lighting system. The device includes a driver circuit configured to supply power to one or more microLEDs, where the driver circuit is connected to a control system that regulates the operation of the lighting device. A first input is provided to adjust the amount of drive power delivered to a specific microLED connected to the driver circuit, allowing for precise control over the brightness and efficiency of the microLED. The control system may also include additional inputs or sensors to monitor and adjust the performance of the microLED, such as temperature or current feedback, ensuring stable and reliable operation. The driver circuit may further incorporate circuitry to manage power distribution, such as current regulation or voltage conversion, to optimize the performance of the microLED. This design enables dynamic adjustment of microLED brightness while maintaining energy efficiency and longevity, making it suitable for applications requiring precise lighting control, such as displays or specialized illumination systems.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The lighting device of claim 17, wherein the second input controls an amount of power delivered to the first electrical contact of the microLED connected to the driver circuit.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to lighting devices incorporating microLED technology, addressing challenges in controlling power delivery to individual microLEDs within an array. The device includes a driver circuit connected to a microLED, where the driver circuit has a first electrical contact linked to the microLED and a second input that regulates the power supplied to that contact. The second input adjusts the power level, enabling precise control over the microLED's brightness or operational state. The driver circuit may also include additional components, such as a current source or voltage regulator, to manage power distribution. The system allows for independent control of multiple microLEDs, improving efficiency and flexibility in lighting applications. This design is particularly useful in displays or lighting systems where individual microLED performance must be finely tuned. The invention ensures stable power delivery while minimizing energy waste, enhancing overall system performance.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The lighting device of claim 18, wherein the second input controls the proportion of the drive power delivered to the first electrical contact of the microLED connected to the driver circuit.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to lighting devices incorporating microLED technology, specifically addressing the challenge of dynamically controlling light output characteristics. The device includes a driver circuit connected to a microLED, which has a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The driver circuit provides drive power to the microLED, enabling light emission. A first input to the driver circuit adjusts the total drive power delivered to the microLED, thereby controlling overall brightness. A second input independently controls the proportion of the drive power allocated to the first electrical contact of the microLED. This allows for fine-tuned modulation of the microLED's light output, such as adjusting color temperature or spectral distribution, without altering the total power. The second input can be used to balance current distribution between the first and second contacts, optimizing performance and longevity of the microLED. The invention enables precise control over light characteristics, enhancing versatility in applications requiring dynamic lighting adjustments.

Classification Codes (CPC)

Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

April 5, 2023

Publication Date

March 19, 2024

Want to explore more patents?

Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.

Citation & reuse

Analysis on this page is generated by Patentable — an AI-powered patent intelligence platform. AI-generated summaries, explanations, FAQs, and analysis may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL below. Patent abstracts and claims are USPTO public domain.

Cite as: Patentable. “Monolithic multi-color matrix emitter with patterned phosphor layer” (US-11935913). https://patentable.app/patents/US-11935913

© 2026 Nomic Interactive Technology LLC. Machine-readable context available at /api/llm-context/US-11935913. See llms.txt for full attribution policy.